News and Events

Giving back provides sense of purpose

Date: 18/12/2018

At 94 years old, Mabel Hibbert is older than most of the residents at Cabrini Ashwood but spending time there keeps her young at heart.

When her husband, Harold, became ill in 2010, Mrs Hibbert knew Cabrini’s residential aged care facility was the only place that could provide a home-away-from-home with the round-the-clock care he needed.

“I had been reluctant to put him in a nursing home but eventually I became unable to care for him on my own,” she explains.

“I looked at several different aged-care facilities but I knew Cabrini Ashwood was the one.”

Harold was in Cabrini Ashwood for 16 months and Mrs Hibbert visited him every day. During that time, she formed a special bond with the residents, volunteers and staff.

When Mr Hibbert passed away in 2012, Mabel was asked if she would like to stay on, as a friend of Cabrini Ashwood, to help out other residents.

“They became like family to me. I felt the staff and volunteers really helped get me through a lot of the grief.”

Six years later, she still visits Cabrini Ashwood every week, helping out with the weekly bingo session, which is a highlight for many residents.

“Cabrini holds a special place in my heart, which is why I continue to help out. It is my way of giving back for what they gave Harold.

“Many of the people who help out have had relatives or partners who have been in Cabrini Ashwood and they have stayed on to give back and remain part of the Cabrini family.”